Can You Get a Mortgage with a 615 Credit Score?

Many prospective home buyers assume that your credit must be in the 600s or 700s to get a mortgage.  This is certainly not the case, as many mortgage lenders offer home loans to borrowers with credit scores as low as a 500.

Please keep in mind that with a 615 credit score, you are just 5 points away from meeting the minimum credit score requirements for a conventional loan.  It may be worth waiting to apply for a mortgage until your credit is above a 620 score, since better options may be available to you then.

If you are eager to get a mortgage, there are some home loan programs that are available to borrowers with a 615 credit score.

FHA Loan with 615 Credit Score

The most common type of loan available to borrowers with a 615 credit score is an FHA loan.  FHA loans only require that you have a 500 credit score, so with a 615 FICO, you will definitely meet the credit score requirements.

Other FHA loan requirements are that you have at least 2 years of employment, which you will be required to provide 2 years of tax returns, and your 2 most recent pay stubs.  The maximum debt-to-income ratio is 43% (unless you have satisfactory “compensating factors”, such as a higher down payment, or cash reserves).

Something that attracts many borrowers to FHA loans is that the minimum down payment requirement is only 3.5%.  This money can also be borrowed, gifted, or provided through a down payment assistance program.

Would you like to see if you qualify for an FHA loan?  We can help match you with a mortgage lender that offers FHA loans in your location.

Click here to get matched with an FHA lender

USDA Loan with 615 Credit Score

The minimum credit score requirement for a USDA loan is now a 640 (for an automated approval).  Fortunately, you can still get approved for a USDA loan with a 615 credit score, but it will require a manual approval by an underwriter.  In order to get approved with a 615 credit score, expect to have strong “compensating factors”, such as conservative use of credit, 2 months mortgage payments in cash reserves (savings), a low debt-to-income ratio, and/or long job history.

Other requirements for USDA loans are that you purchase a property in an eligible area.  USDA loans are only available in rural areas, which includes the outer areas of major cities.  You can not get a USDA loan in cities or larger towns (with a population over 30,000 people).

You also will need to show 2 years of consistent employment, and provide the necessary income documentation (2 years tax returns, and 2 recent pay stubs).

Click here to find out if you qualify for a USDA loan

615 Credit Score Mortgage Lenders

Below is a list of some of the best mortgage lenders for borrowers that have a 615 credit score.  All of the following lenders offer conventional and FHA loans, and can help you determine what options might be available to you.  If you would like some assistance finding a lender, we can help match you with a lender that offers loan options to borrowers with a 615 credit score.  To get matched with a mortgage lender, please fill out this form.

1.) New American Funding

2.) Finance of America

3.) Guaranteed Rate

4.) Supreme Lending

5.) Caliber Home Loans

6.) US Bank

7.) Flagstar Bank

8.) American Financial Network

9.) Freedom Mortgage

10.) Loan Depot

The lenders featured above all offer mortgage loans to borrowers with a 615 credit score.  If you would like some help finding a lender, we can match you with a lender that offers home loans in your location.

Click here to get matched with a mortgage lender

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have had a major credit issue in recent years?
If you have had a bankruptcy, foreclosure, or short sale, there are several non-prime lenders that offer home loans to borrowers even just 1 day after such events.

Are there other credit requirements that I should know about?
Most mortgage lenders require that you have 3 trade-lines on your credit report. This can be auto loans, credit cards, personal loans, or other qualifying lines of credit. There can be exceptions to this rule, including alternative bills that are often allowed (phone bills, utilities, etc.).

What are the interest rates for a borrower with a 615 credit score?
The interest rate will depend on your individual qualifications, the mortgage lender, and the date you lock your interest rate. We can help connect you with a mortgage lender that offers free rate quotes.  To have a mortgage lender contact you, please fill out this form.

Is down payment assistance available to someone with a 615 credit score?
Yes, in fact many down payment assistance programs are available to borrowers with a 615 credit score.  The types of programs that exist include both local (city, county, or state level), and nationwide programs.  A mortgage lender can help you see if you qualify for down payment assistance.  If you have lower income, you are even more likely to qualify, as these programs are often intended for lower income households.